About the Role
The Environmental Conservation Program Manager will lead a newly formed Land Management Team responsible for planning and implementing ecological stewardship activities across conservation lands. This role involves establishing priorities, guiding complex field programs, developing staff, and building a high-performing team to manage one of the nation's largest municipal conservation land portfolios.
Responsibilities
- Plan and direct environmental and/or conservation program strategies.
- Develop and implement program policies, procedures, and systems.
- Negotiate regulatory compliance issues with State and Federal environmental agencies.
- Manage and review programs/projects.
- Administer programs.
- Market programs.
- Develop, monitor, and evaluate program and resource budgets.
- Develop, manage, and administer contracts.
- Develop training for internal and external customers.
- Develop and maintain program policies and standard operating procedures.
- Develop, review, interpret, and rewrite ordinances, codes, and regulations.
- Perform public relations functions.
- Participate in short- and long-range planning activities.
- Develop and manage quality control initiatives.
- Develop and conduct audits.
- Assist with evaluating bid proposals.
- Perform supervisory duties including hiring, promoting, disciplinary actions, and performance evaluations.
- Responsible for full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.
Requirements
- Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience.
- Ability to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.
- Ability to travel to more than one work location.
- Ability to travel when necessary to multiple locations as part of regular job duties.
- Responsible for getting to and from locations if not meeting Driver Safety Standards.
- May be required to show valid insurance for the operation of vehicles.
- If unable to travel on City business, may be required to walk long distances to complete tasks or job functions.
- Adaptability and willingness to change or modify workload on demand and multitask.
- Willingness to work in environments which may have hazardous situations, including confined spaces and dense vegetation.
- Ability to perform essential job functions with confidence and with or without reasonable accommodations: carrying or lifting up to 50 lbs., pushing or pulling up to 50 lbs., sitting, standing, walking, lying, climbing stairs and ladders, reaching overhead, kneeling, crawling, stooping/bending, twisting, repetitive foot and hand movement, driving, grasping and squeezing, ability to wear personal protective equipment including safety eyewear, footwear, head protection or hearing protection, exposure to extreme weather conditions, atmospheric conditions, hazardous conditions, and very loud noise.
- May be required to walk long distances on uneven terrain.
- Critical employees may be reassigned to another area to provide essential services to support any extraordinary situations or emergency conditions.
- Prohibited from accepting or engaging in any secondary employment that might conflict or interfere with an employee’s duty and responsibility to the Department.
- Must submit a Secondary Employment Application for review and approval upon being hired, as well as when considering secondary employment.
Skills
- Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
- Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
- Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
- Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
- Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
- Skill in using computers and related software applications.
- Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.
- Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
- Ability to train others.
- Demonstrated experience leading ecological land management programs, including prescribed fire, ecological restoration, invasive species management, and other conservation initiatives.
- Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams and developing staff responsible for implementing complex field-based conservation programs.
- Experience managing contracts, budgets, and partnerships to successfully deliver land management or ecological restoration projects.
- Experience leading organizational change, improving operational processes, and building collaborative, high-performing teams.
Location
- Reicher Ranch (13700 E Ladera Blvd, Austin, TX, 78738)
Work Type
- Full-time
- Onsite
Experience Level
- 6 years of experience in a related field, including 3 years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
Education Level
- Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in a field related to Environmental Science, Life Science, Biology, Chemistry, Engineering, Landscape Architecture, Public Administration, Business Administration, or Planning.
- Master's degree from an accredited college or university may substitute for experience up to two (2) years.
Salary/Compensations
- $80,490.00 - $102,200.00 Annual
Benefits
- Medical
- Paid leave time
- Retirement plan
- Training opportunities
About the Company
- For over 100 years, Austin Water has been committed to providing safe, reliable, high-quality, and affordable water services.
- Serves over 1,000,000 people in the Austin metropolitan area, across more than 548 square miles.
- Leading the way with sustainable infrastructure, advanced treatment technology, and environmental innovation.
- Consistently ranks among the best in the country when it comes to water quality.
- Treats, returns, and recycles wastewater in ways that protect environmental resources.
- Exceeds federal and state requirements for clean water and environmental compliance.
- Austin Water’s Wildland Conservation Division protects more than 49,000 acres of conservation land for the benefit of water, wildlife, and people.
- At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer—we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities.
- Guiding principles – Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity – anchor our delivery of services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites.
- Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
- Value and Innovation: Work in an environment where employees are valued, and innovation thrives.
- Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
- Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
- Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
- Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
- Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
- Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
- By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.
Equal Opportunity
- The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation.
- The City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.
- City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.
